When Governor Pataki proclaimed April 6th as “Missing Person’s Day”, he recognized that:

• The unexpected and unexplained disappearance of a loved one is clouded with uncertainty, and families often fluctuate between hope and hopelessness.
• The absence of remains, grave markers, and ceremonies may often present the most difficult challenge that a family or individual can face.
• Families, friends and entire communities can be devastated by an unexplained disappearance, often finding it difficult to cope with the changes that may affect every aspect of their lives.
• Missing people come from all backgrounds, occupations, and age groups. In New York State, there are currently over 4,000 missing people, including 1500 “adults” over age 17.
• With the guidance and understanding, those left behind when a loved one goes missing can move on and regain their lives.
• Missing person reports, especially among adults, are not always taken seriously by investigative agencies and delays can have catastrophic results.
• The general public is unaware of the magnitude of the “missing person” problem.

Missing Persons Day